Norfolk Police warned drivers to take extra care on their morning commute and is urging people to consider if their journey is absolutely necessary.

Superintendent, Malcolm Cooke, offered the following advice: “We want people to consider whether their journey is essential. If you do venture out, be mindful that flying debris, gusts of high winds and obstructions will make journeys more dangerous.

“If you have to travel, plan your journey using routes with less exposure to the weather and consider your mode of transport. Motorbikes and bicycles are particularly vulnerable in high cross winds. Wind of this severity has the potential to overturn high-sided vehicles and caravans.

“We also ask that, given the high number of 999 calls all emergency services are responding to overall today, people consider whether their call is appropriate and keep in mind that they could be waiting for a response longer than they expect.”

Met Office

A tree on a house in Moore Avenue, Sprowston (Photo: Zak Nelson)

The Met Office said: “Very strong winds across England and Wales this morning. Be aware of longer journey times for the rush hour, especially in eastern parts where gusts over 70 mph are still possible. Here are the highest gusts recorded at 6am.”

Previous storms with winds over 80mph include:

• Storm Doris, February 23, 2017 - 81mph at Weybourne.

• St Jude’s Day storm, October 28, 2013 - 80mph at Andrewsfield.

Norfolk County Council said more than 100 people from its highways team was working on clearing trees and branches from roads.

The tree blocking the line between Ipswich and Norwich. Photo: Greater Anglia

Event cancellation

Severe winds and safety concerns forced the closure of a major farm machinery show in Peterborough this morning.

Lamma 2018 brought thousands of farmers to the East of England Showground yesterday for the first day of the two-day event which usually attracts around 40,000 visitors.

But hundreds arriving at the venue this morning were prevented from entering the venue after safety officers reported “serious damage to stands and structures” following gales overnight.